wealth

It’s been a few months since I last posted here. As I look back over the topics I’ve discussed, I realized- there’s a whole lot of information on this blog. I’ve been writing for myself instead of writing for my guests. So here’s a throwback to ponder and drool over. Ok may not drool…eww. Happy reading.

I hope everyone is doing well and living in their greatest version of self. I’m Living the Law of Exchange. What do I mean by this statement. Well the other day, I went to the corner store to get change for a Benjamin. I had to spend at least $10 dollars. So I walked around the store to see what they had to offer in my neighborhood that was worth my ten dollars. To my surprise they had a good variety of healthy snacks. I purchased a few and picked up a few personal favorites like Dove body wash, an herbal drink, and some GoodSense snacks (nuts with dried fruit). I took my items to the register and said, “is this ten dollars worth?” The guy at the register said it was close enough. So, he gave me change that consisted of a Grant, two Jacksons, and a Washington.

By now, another customer had picked up a case of beer and brought it to the counter as well. So, I’m taking my change and ask the guy next to me in line-

Me: “Who’s on the $50 dollar bill?”

I begin counting down like we’re on ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’

Me: “3, 2, 1…” waiting for his response- he’s thinking really hard. But I could tell he really just wanted to pay for his merchandise and go.

Guy: “I can’t even remember, cause I don’t ever have that kind of cash in my pocket”-

Me: “Grant! Grant is on the Fifty.”

I walk out the store, analyzing the interaction, because I believe there is a lesson in every situation and thought I’d share this with you.

I too didn’t know who was on the fifty dollar bill until I looked at one in my hand. Since the above encounter, I’ve had two more Grants and each time I give one away, I receive another. That’s what I mean by “Living the Law of Exchange”. I also have a Jefferson that I hardly ever get and it’s because I am holding on to that Jefferson like I won’t get it again. In order to receive, you have to give- law of exchange. Money is another form of “energy” exchange. What you give away freely without hoarding, comes back to you ten-fold. Just remember that, and if you don’t believe me, try it.

So, here is a list of former presidents [or not] appearing on currency you may carry around in your wallet or wish you did:

Embarking on a new project is always intimadating, but I love challenging myself. For the past few months, I’ve traveled across states and released my book Journey into Finance in several libraries. Staying true to my purpose of helping to increase financial literacy, I’ve also donated to residents in correctional facilities. My intention is to encourage and empower others to believe in their dreams and never give up on themselves.

Scrolling through my feeds, i came across this here: “There are Four Levels to becoming your greatest version” – Ralph Smart

Giving some thought to the above statement as I begin the next chapter of my new book.

The first thing is observe our habits. How are you treating yourself. Selfcare is vital. I often say, “if I knew then what I know now…”, as a cliche but I can’t go back in time so I pass it forward.

What I ask myself:

What are the four levels?
What level am I on?
How can I be the best version of Me?

OK I’ve watched the video and now know what the four levels are, according to my instructor. I also recognize what level I’m on. The task at hand is putting it all into action to become my greatest version.

Giving praise and honor to the Most High is my acknowledgement to get ego out of the way. I am a mere mortal, not immortal. I have a beginning and an end on this earthly plain. My soul will transcend. My legacy is what I create/birth/bring forth to leave behind and it will continue through my progeny, until the end of time.

I have a blueprint of the past and present to guide my future and it’s beautiful. Something that may only be realized after I’ve transcended because that is usually how the mind works. We never seem to appreciate the impact of a person until they’re gone. Truth.

So, to my progeny- use my knowledge, think for yourself and create your own destiny, good or bad. The consequences of your deeds are a reference for yourself; therefore, choose your mate and your path wisely. Your word will become your truth/bond, respect it.

If you have a dream, work at it earnestly. Learn as much as you can about it, and put that knowledge into practice. Enjoy life and the finer things in moderation, never bite off more than you can chew, live within your means, eat healthy, give in charity, and smile through it all because things could always be worse. Be grateful and believe in yourself. Have a wonderful life…make it so.

What I learned from my Seven Day Vegan challenge is… I really have a lot to learn.

Sure, I ate healthier, by not consuming processed foods, eliminating dairy, and animal byproducts but that was just a tip of the iceberg.

Vegetarianism goes way deeper than just avoiding the consumption of meats, including animal byproducts. I can say with all honesty, I failed horribly at being a Vegan for the following reasons:

1. I still dressed in leather, silks, and wool (on a cool night).

2. I consumed honey (once I learned that was a “no-no” I stopped immediately).

3. I drank caffeinated coffee and with cream (again, a “no-no”) SMH.

However, the good thing is… I’m learning and the more knowledge I obtain, the better I’ll become at practicing the Vegan lifestyle. I can truly say that I agree with the ethical side of being a Vegan and understand that supplements are needed in order to maintain optimal health. Just eating fruits and vegetables (raw or semi-cooked) will not suffice, especially for my busy life.

There are different levels (Lacto vegetarianism, Ovo vegetarianism, Ovo-lacto vegetarianism), to adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Both have healthy benefits, one is stricter than the other and then there is a little known term called “pescatarian”, which incorporates fish and other seafood (no red meat, pork, or poultry) with the vegetarian diet.

Pescatarians are sometimes described as vegetarian or pesco-vegetarian, but vegetarians commonly do not consider the pescatarian diet to be vegetarian. Because of the ingestion of poultry, fish, and other animal byproducts.

While observing my “flawed” vegan challenge, there were subtle changes in my body that occurred and I quickly made adjustments for. One of the most painful, was cramping in my extremities (legs, and hands). I found it was basically due to lack of sufficient hydration (H20). A minor complication that was easily corrected by drinking more water and less of my favorite beverage “caffeinated coffee”.

The benefits of becoming a Vegan or Vegetarian, definitely have me considering eliminating meat and dairy products altogether due to research studies that indicate higher levels of carcinogens. Namely, “casein” found in animal byproducts and it being attributed to cancer. The “China Study” that the majority of vegans like to use as their “bible” for lack of a better word, uses test animals for their research. Hmm, I thought that cruelty to animals was something totally against the Vegan lifestyle? Wouldn’t testing of animals fall under that category? I suppose some cruelty and loss of life is a justifiable evil. Right?

Well, for the sake of argument, I’ll just say from my own experience avoiding meat and dairy products for seven days has awakened my senses and I prefer a plant-based diet over the consumption of animals and their byproducts simply because I believe it to be “healthier”.

That’s all for now as I continue my life’s journey into health and wealth, make sure to sign up via email to stay abreast of my next “self-discovery/adventure”. Thanks for reading and remember to share, comment, and/or like.